Friday, October 2, 2009

Artworking is hosting an evening of art and music tonight at 5 in the Common Wealth Gallery at 100 South Baldwin Street. Artworking provides professional development and support for artists with cognitive disabilities. 15 talented and emerging artists will be showcased. Local music provided at 7 by Mike Behrends and the band Butte. Admission is free and so is the popcorn. More info at 442-5294 xt.110

Saturday from 10 to 6 at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street, in the Evjue Room, the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice will bring together representatives of many of its member organizations for its annual assembly and "Peacemaker" awards. More info at 250-9240 or 332-3717.

Saturday from 1 to 5 pm, the Friends of Monona Public Library, 1011 Nichols Road, will sponsor The Monona Pie Party, a benefit for the Children's Department. Over 100 of the very best pie bakers in the area will compete for prizes and YOU are the judge. More info at bestpieparty.com or 221-9378.

The Literacy Network invites the public to be a part of someone's success story by participating in the 18th annual Literacy Network Run/Walk at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The event starts at State and Gorham streets in Madison, and goes through campus. To learn more and to register, visit litnetwork.org or call 244-3911.

Saturday at 7 pm, the Wil-Mar Center will host a live concert with Grammy winning mandolinist Mike Compton and three-time guitar player of the year David Grier. More info at deadmessenger.com or at 408-621-1573

The Madison Chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. is sponsoring an Autism Awareness Seminar Saturday from 10:30 to noon, at the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, 1500 Highland Ave. The presenter will give an overview of Autism, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and services and resources for families having children with the disorder. More info at 338-5368.

Fitchburg Fields and the Madison Area Permaculture Guild are offering a Sheet Mulching Workshop Saturday at 9 at the Fitchburg Fields Food Pantry Garden, corner of Lacy Road and Fahey Glen. Register at 335-7295.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

If you’re interested in getting your hands dirty while learning about native landscapes, and you enjoy working outdoors and meeting new people, the UW Arboretum encourages you to become an Earth Partnership Team Leader! Participants learn about the art and science of ecological restoration, and about the native ecosystems of Wisconsin. Training starts October 15. Contact Marian at 265-5214 to register.

The Wisconsin Dance Council's 2009 Award Ceremony and Reception will be held tonight at 6 pm at the Madison Club. The evening will include an hors d' oeuvres buffet, cash bar and dance tributes. Over the years Wisconsin Dance Council has presented over ninety awards to persons who have made significant contributions to dance in Wisconsin. To register contact Mary Elliott at 833 1215.

The Alliance for Animals has dozens of volunteer opportunities to help animals. It doesn't matter what your skills are or what animal issues you are interested in, because you are likely to discover at least one way that you can help to make a difference for the animals. For more info visit allanimals.org or call 257-6333.

Tonight at 5 at the State Street corner of the Capitol Square, AFSCME 171 and 68 will sponsor a Rally for Tax Fairness. The rally aims to protest the state budget cuts for schools, local governments and state agencies. Speakers will include Arlene Silveira, President of the Madison School Board and John Hendrick of the Dane County Board. More info at 232-9393

Tonight at 6:30 at UW Helen C. White Library - 4th Floor Commons at 600 North Park Street, the ACLU of Wisconsin, the UW School of Library and Information Studies, and A Room of One’s Own bookstore will co-sponsor a Banned Books Week panel, moderated by Jim Fleming, Wisconsin Public Radio host. The panel will discuss current issues in censorship including book challenges, net neutrality and free access to the Internet, and youth free-speech rights. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

This evening award-winning author, David Maraniss, will discuss his forthcoming biography of Barack Obama and insights into his developmental influences. This is at 6:30 in “Neighborhood House”, 29 South Mills Street. Call 255-5337 for details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals volunteers are dedicated to bettering the future of feral cats. Their mission is to establish a no-kill standard and promote the value and well-being of Dane County area feral cats. Call 467-4067 for details.

Care Wisconsin offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tomorrow morning the “First Business Bank” hosts a discussion entitled, “It’s Way More Than Facebook and Twitter: Top Ten Social Media Best Practices Every Not-For-Profit Organization Needs to Know." The facilitator is “Nate Towne”, a social media and public relations counselor at “Hiebing”, Madison Wisconsin’s largest integrated advertising and brand development agency. This is at 7:30 at Monona Terrace. To pre-register and for details call 238-8008.

Parental Stress Center, a parental help agency, needs volunteers for a number of positions. They include childcare, food service, and office assistants and Stressline volunteers. Training is provided. Call 241-4888 for details.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to prisoners in Wisconsin and other states. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

Care Wisconsin offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

The Women and Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition program offers a wide variety of services, food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong. For details call 267-1111.

Low cost dog and cat spayings and neuterings are available through the Dane County Humane Society. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Monday, September 28, 2009

This evening on WORT’s “Access Hour” hosts from the “Madison Astronomical Society” continues to observe the “International Year of Astronomy.” They will also discuss the current long solar minimum and the upcoming Orionid and Leonid meteor showers. They'll be happy to answer any questions about astronomy as well. That’s at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Today at noon the Havens Center and Global Studies programs sponsor Dawn-Elissa Fischer of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University. She will speak on “Blackness, Race and Politics in Japanese Hip Hop.” This is in room 206 of Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. Call 262-1420 for details.

This evening the Wisconsin Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation discusses Education and Activism concerning Nutrient-Dense Foods. This is at 7:00 in the Wil-mar Neighborhood Center, 853 Jenifer Street. Call 221-8696 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for details or, to volunteer.

Mothers United For Moral Support is an international support and matching organization for families and other caregivers of children with rare disorders or special needs. Call Julie Gordon at 1-920-336-5333 for details on getting or, giving help.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs help to assist frail, low-income, elderly people with basic home chores to remain independent in their own homes and neighborhoods. Chores include light housecleaning, laundry, yard work, and some painting. For details call 243-5252.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Tonight at 7 pm, the Tai Chi Center, 301 S Bedford, will host a talk by author, counselor and spiritual teacher Dr Roger Bruce Lane on "Health: Its True Meaning And How To Be Healthy". The event will be followed by A Meditation For Health And Well-Being. Dr Lane will make another presentation on Saturday at 7 pm. The topic will be Meditation On The Path Of Soul Transcendence: The Eternal And You. For more info, contact Alice at 838-7968.

Sunday from 5 to 10 pm at Outreach, 600 Williamson St, a fundraiser will be held for OutThere participants to attend the LGBT Equal Rights March in Washington D.C. Food and beverages will be provided. A presentation by LGBTI Equality Now, the local group organizing the march bus trip will also be part of the event. More info at 255-8582

Sunday at noon, Mayor Cieslewicz and other city officials will be present for the official re-opening of the Monroe Street Branch Library. The library will be open special Sunday hours from 9 to 4 for an open house and a book sale as part of the Monroe Street Festival. More info at 224-7103 or madisonpubliclibrary.org

Sunday at noon, Ralph Nader will be in Madison to discuss his most recent book “A Practical Utopia” at UW-Madison Rm. 2650 Humanities. More info at 257-6050

Saturday from 8 am to 1:30 pm, the Food for Thought Festival will take place on Martin Luther King Junior Blvd. off the Capitol Square in Madison. Literature booths, kids activities, cooking demonstrations by guest chefs and more are planned. The keynote speaker will be Michael Pollan at 10:00 am! More info at reapfood.org

Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm, the Workers' Right Center will sponsor a Workers Rights Advocate Training at Villager Mall, Lower Level, Suite 001 (2300 S. Park St.). The workshop is aimed at those interested in learning more about local, state, and federal laws that cover the workplace, as well as strategies to help workers defend themselves on the job. To RSVP, 255-0376. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to participate. Snacks will be provided.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tonight at 5 pm in the Union Theater of the Memorial Union, there will be a screening of Dan Habib's film “Including Samuel”. The film examines the social and educational inclusion of youth with disabilities and documents the Habib family's journey as they work to include Samuel in all facets of their lives, a journey that transforms all of them. The screening will be followed by a Q and A with Habib. More info at includingsamuel.com

Tonight at 7:30 pm, Dr. Roger Bruce Lane, an author, spiritual teacher and founder of the non-profit foundation, Cosmos Tree, Inc., will be in town from New York City to read from his book The Money Workbook. The reading and signing will be hosted by Borders (East) Bookstore, 2173 Zeier Road. For more info. contact Alice at 838-7968.

Tonight at 7 pm, author Evelyn Hadden will present: Design Ideas to Shrink your Lawn, which means less maintenance, less pollution, and more room for native plants. The event is hosted by Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue. Pre-registration and more information available at olbrich.org or by calling 246-4550. Walk in registrations are also accepted.

The Literacy Network, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing basic literacy services to adults and families in Dane County. The organization currently needs volunteers for tutoring. More information available at litnetwork.org/volunteers. For more info or to reserve a space in an upcoming workshop call 244-3911.

The Urban League’s Schools of Hope program has volunteer opportunities available for people to tutor at-risk middle school students with homework, organization, time management and study skills. For details call 251-8550.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

This evening “Q Cinema International” presents a free screening of “The Bubble” It is a 2006 Israeli documentary about the lives of young gay, straight, Jews, Arabs, men and women in Tel Aviv. This is at 6:30 in Outreach, 600 Williamson Street. For details call 255-8582.

This evening there is a meeting of the “Earth Mother Multicultural Resource Center” or E. M.M.R.C. (Pronounced "immerse"). This is a non-profit organization beginning with an eco-feminist discussion group. This is at “A Room of One’s Own Bookstore”, 307 West Johnson Street at 6:30. Call 446-0724 for details.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to prisoners in Wisconsin and other states. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

Low cost spayings and neuterings for dogs and cats are available through the Dane County Humane Society. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals volunteers are dedicated to bettering the future of feral cats. Their mission is to establish a no-kill standard and promote the value and well-being of Dane County area feral cats. Call 467-4067 for details.

The Women and Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition program offers a wide variety of services, food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong. For details call 267-1111.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tuesday evening the Madison Area Peace Coalition presents guest, Michele Bahl, speaking on her recent trip to the Middle East. This is in the Wilmar Neighborhood Center 953 Jenifer Street at 7:00. Call 442-8822 for details.

Tuesday the "Bring the Guard Home!" campaign is arranging meetings with state legislators as part of their first lobby day in support bill 203 which would require the Governor to review any Federal order for the deployment of our National Guard overseas to ensure that the order was lawful. Call 250-9240 for details.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to prisoners in Wisconsin and other states. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. Call 257-6050 or visit 426 West Gilman Street for details.

The Women and Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition program offers a wide variety of services, food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong. For details call 267-1111.

Care Wisconsin offers many programs and services designed to help older adults. They offer coordinated health care and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible older adults. These may have chronic conditions requiring nursing home level of care, adult day centers and home care services. Call 240-0020 for details.

Low cost spayings and neuterings for dogs and cats are available through the Dane County Humane Society. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday evening on WORT’s Access Hour writer’s group reads. This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Briarpatch seeks volunteers to work with teens in crises, either by answering the crises line, providing emergency shelter, or, acting as family counselors. Some positions may require training. Call 251-6211 for details or, to volunteer.

Mothers United For Moral Support is an international support and matching organization for families and other caregivers of children with rare disorders or special needs. Call Julie Gordon at 1-920-336-5333 for details on getting or, giving help.

The Home Chore Volunteer Program needs volunteers to assist frail, low-income elderly persons with basic home chores and remain independent in their own homes and neighborhoods. Chores include light housecleaning, laundry, yard work, and some painting. For details call 243-5252.

Dane County Friends of Ferals is seeking rural outdoor homes for altered feral and semi-feral cats. This will avoid euthanasias. They and the Dane County Humane Society relocate them on farms. They occupy feral cat territory but don’t breed. They are all tested, vaccinated, dewormed and fixed. For details call 467-4067.

Parental Stress Center, a parental help agency, needs volunteers for a number of positions. They include childcare, food service, and office assistants and Stressline volunteers. Training is provided. Call 241-4888 for details.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Saturday, the Madison Trust for Historic Preservations weekly tour features Mansion Hill West. The story of Madison's "aristocracy hill" is seen in buildings spanning nearly 100 years including early sandstone mansions, and many houses by Prairie-style architects Claude & Starck. The 1-hour tour meets at 10 a.m. in front of the Plaza Tavern and Grill, 319 North Henry Street. For more info, call 608-441-8864 or visit madisontrust.org

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known throughout the land that all good people from the Monroevian realm to the far reaches of the kingdom are invited to the Second Annual Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians Renaissance Faire from noon until 10 p.m. this Saturday at The Piazza, located at W5549 Center Road, 3.6 miles north of Monroe on Highway 69. For more information call 608-325-5268 or search Shakespeare on the Edge at GreenCountySpotlight.com

Sunday from 1 - 4 pm is the Sassy Cow Creamery Savor & Sample Fest: South Central Wisconsin's Home Grown Food Festival! Meet local farmers and savor local foods! There will be a creamery tour of Sassy Cow, cooking demos, farmers market, kids activities, and more. This is at W4192 Bristol Road in Columbus. More info at 742-9680. A carpool is being arranged from Madison - contact Family Farm Defenders at 260-0900 for details.

Sunday at 4:30 pm at the Brittingham Park Shelter, 401 West Shore Drive, will be the First Annual Ground Work Family Reunion! Join others interested in Racial Justice Organizing for a potluck and grillout! Please bring a dish to pass. Plus, there will be music, raffle, and activities for all ages. Groundwork is a white anti-racist collective working to dismantle white supremacy and achieve racial justice in our communities.

Sunday, there will be an outdoor screening of the acclaimed 1959 Brazilian film, Black Orpheus, set in a favela in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval. This will be at 7 pm at the Madison Infoshop, 1019 Williamson Street. More info at 262-9036 or 442-8399.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Today at 5pm, there is a “Rally in Support of Single Payer National Healthcare” at State Street and the Capitol Square. This is part of the national Mad as Hell Doctors tour. For more info, email cuphoff@hotmail.com or visit madashelldoctors.com

Tonight at 6pm, there will be a Talk with Will Allen, director and co-founder of Growing Power in Milwaukee and recent recipient of a MacArthur Genius Award. This is at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street.

Tonight at 7 pm is the SalonQ Adult Discussion Group. Come prepared to mix it up in an inclusive fashion with cool people in the comfy surroundings of OutReach. The SalonQ Adult Discussion Group meets weekly alternating between Tuesday and Thursday nights. For info or to get on the e-mail list: call 255-8582 or e-mail Harry at harrys@lgbtoutreach.org

Also tonight at 7 pm, the Sequoya Library holds a Book Discussion of Michael Pollan's “In Defense of Food,” with Susan Lampert Smith, Science Writer and Senior Lecturer at the UW and former columnist at the Wisconsin State Journal. Susan, along with her husband Matt Smith, are the owners of Blue Valley Gardens, a certified organic fruit and vegetable farm located 30 miles west of Madison. The Sequoya Library is at 4340 Tokay Boulevard.

The Madison Public Library is teaming up with the Open Art Studios to offer hands-on creative workshops with local artists this September and October. Madison Area Open Art Studios is a celebration of the diversity and vitality of the visual arts in the Madison-area. Local artists will be on hand at multiple Madison Public Library locations to demonstrate technique, and help visitors create their own masterpieces. These events are open to visitors of all ages. For more information, visit maoas.com

The UW Educational & Psychological Training Clinic, in co-operation with OutReach, is making counseling services available on a sliding scale to the LGBTQ communities. The services are provided by counseling psychology graduate students and are supervised by licensed psychologists/counselors. They provide services to individuals, couples, and families with a variety of pressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, and general life adjustment problems. Bi-lingual counselors and Spanish interpreters are also available. For appointments and an initial screening please call 265-6120.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

This evening the “Workers Independent News” (WINS) group celebrates its most successful year building a multimedia voice for working people in the media. This is at 5:00 in the High Noon Saloon, 701 East Washington Avenue. Call 251-0327 for details.

This evening the Alicia Ashman Branch Library’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Group hosts a screening of the movie, “The Golden Compass” and a discussion of it the same named book by Philip Pullman. This is at 6:00 in 733 North High Point Road. Call 824-1780 for details.

This evening Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) - Madison and others present Cassandra Dixon and a quote “photo report back on Christian peacemaker teams in the Hebron Hills”. This is in the South Madison Police Precinct Meeting Room, 815 Hughes Place at 7:00. Call 233-8979 for details.

Tonight the Frederic March Play Circle Starlight Cinema presents “Films for One to Eight Projectors.” It is a special live performance of acclaimed Florida experimental filmmaker, Roger Beebe's work. This is at 8:30 in the Memorial Union. Call 265-3000 for details.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to prisoners is Wisconsin and other states. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. This is at 257-6050 or 426 West Gilman Street.

Low cost spayings and neuterings for dogs and cats are available through the Dane County Humane Society. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This evening at the South Madison Branch Public Library attendees may get advice about writing of any sort. This includes letters, resumes and job applications. Attendees need to call up to half an hour before each half hour session with instructor. This is at 5:00 in 2222 South Park Street. Call 266-6395 for details.

This evening the South Madison Public Library has a workshop on “Easy Resumes and Cover Letters.” It will be followed by an hour of “open office” consultation for those seeking personalized assistance working through changes in their careers. This is at 5:30 in 2222 South Park Street. For details call 266-6395.

This evening Progressive Dane holds a volunteer night. Participants will meet great new people and help with labeling their newsletter and other easy tasks. This is in the office, 1202 Williamson Street at 5:30. Call 257-4985 for details.

Tomorrow and Thursday morning the “Madison Area Peace Coalition (MAPC)” distributes “opt-out” forms to high school students before their day begins. Tomorrow they are at LaFollette and Memorial High schools. On Thursday they will be at East and West High schools. This is at 7:15. Call 279-1357 for details.

Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) is a non-profit organization sponsored by Rainbow bookstore that sends books to prisoners in Wisconsin and other states. They believe that quote “books are tools for learning and can open minds to new ideas and fresh possibilities.” They accept donations of money or books. This is at 257-6050 or 426 West Gilman Street.

The Rape Crises Center is a non-profit community organization for people who need support and information after experiencing past or recent sexual assault, rape, incest or childhood sexual assault and the people close to them. For services and twenty- four hour crises intervention call 251-7273 or to volunteer call 251-5126.

Monday, September 14, 2009

This evening on WORT’s Access Hour station volunteer coordinator Glenn Mitroff helps “Community Shares of Wisconsin” with their fall kick-off campaign. The show will highlight their annual awards. Some awardees may be on hand. This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Tomorrow morning organizations and individuals interested in participating in the ongoing strategizing for criminal justice reforms are welcome to attend a meeting of TIP. This is at 10:00 in the second floor of Sun Prairie’s United Methodist Building, 750 Windsor Street. Call 414-736-2480 for details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals is seeking rural outdoor homes for altered feral and semi-feral cats. This will avoid euthanasias. They and the Dane County Humane Society relocate them on farms. They occupy feral cat territory but don’t breed. They are all tested, vaccinated, dewormed and fixed. For details call 467-4067.

Parental Stress Center, a parental help agency, needs volunteers for a number of positions. They include childcare and food service workers, office assistants and Stressline volunteers. Training is provided. Call 241-4888 for details.

The Women and Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition program offers a wide variety of services, food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong. For details call 267-1111.

The Public Health Department of Madison and Dane County has anonymous walk-in HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing and Needle exchange. These are at the Public Health Office, 2705 East Washington Avenue and the South Madison Health and Family Center 2202 South Park Street. There are a variety of times and days. Call 243-0411 for details.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Do you have beads you don’t need, or glues you don’t use? Absolutely Art, 2322 Atwood Ave, invites you to clean out your studios, closets and garages for art supplies and other useable items for Saturday’s “Art Swap”. Call 249-9100 or email Meghan@absolutelyartllc.com for details or to make arrangements for a drop-off. The business is located on the Capital City Bike Trail.

Tonight from 7:30 to 10, a Fighting BobFest Kick-Off Benefit will be held at the Barrymore Theater, 2090 Atwood Ave., featuring Jim Hightower, Jeremy Scahill, and a video on Torturing Democracy. Fighting BobFest takes place all day Saturday at the Sauk County Fair Grounds in Baraboo. More info at fightingbob.com

Saturday in Stoughton, the Yahara River Grocery Co-op is partnering with 9 restaurants and food establishments to dish up some delicious locally-grown foods. As part of the East Local challenge, Stoughton will host Local-motion: An Eat Local Craw. More info at 267-7907 or online at yaharagrocery.coop

Saturday from noon to 2 pm and 5 to 7 pm, Peace Fest will be held at Thunderbird Lanes in Baraboo (across from the Fairgrounds on Hwy 33). Open mic and folk music by John Statz are on the program during and after Bobfest! More info at 230-6640.

Saturday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, the Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition (MACSAC) in partnership with Underground Food Collective will host the Third Annual Bike the Barns. This year's 52-mile ride highlights three local CSA and direct market farms and, once again, features artisan local food. Registration is required. More info at macsac.org

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Literacy Network, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing basic literacy services to adults and families in Dane County. The organization is currently needing volunteers for tutoring. The next workshop is this Saturday at 1118 S Park St in Madison from 9 to 5. All tutors are required to watch a short video which is available online at litnetwork.org/volunteers. For more info or to reserve a space in an upcoming workshop call 244-3911.

Radio Active, a Madison area, all-volunteer, community theater group which recreates old-time radio shows is holding auditions for a performance on October 17. During the show, actors read from scripts at microphones, while live sound effects, music, and vintage commercials add to the fun and authenticity of the production. Visit rememberingradio.org for dates and times of upcoming auditions, scripts and more details. Auditions will be held at Shorewood Hills Fire Dept, 1008 Shorewood Blvd.

Tonight at 7 pm, Madison Infoshop and Wisconsin Network For Peace & Justice will host the first in the Fall 2009 Prison Issues Film Discussion Series at UW- Madison Humanities Bldg, Room 1111. A screening of Space Ghost, including a discussion by filmmaker, Laurie Jo Reynolds will be presented. Space Ghost compares the experiences of astronauts and prisoners, using popular depictions of space travel to illustrate the physical and existential aspects of incarceration. For more info email sarah@wnpj.org

The Goodman Community Center offers free meals for older adults every Friday. The meals nourish the body and the soul by providing fellowship among the attendees. Friday meals are served promptly at noon at 149 Waubesa Street. No reservations are necessary and donations are welcome. More info at 241-1574.

The Urban League’s Schools of Hope program has volunteer opportunities available for people to tutor at-risk middle school students with homework, organization, time management and study skills. For details call 251-8550.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Mornings adults sixty or older may get lunch. This is at 11:30 on weekdays in venues throughout Madison. A donation is requested. Call 251-8405 by noon the day before for details or to reserve a meal.

This evening there is a drop-in knitting group. Participants are invited to quote “learn a new craft or work on that unfinished project with other neighborhood knitters.” This is in the Lakeview library, 2845 North Sherman Avenue at 6:30. Call 246-4547 for details.

Parental Stress Center, a parental help agency, needs volunteers for a number of positions. They include food service and office assistants, childcare, and Stressline volunteers. Training is provided. Call 241-4888 for details.

The Women and Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition program offers a wide variety of services, food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong. For details call 267-1111.

Low cost spayings and neuterings for dogs and cats are available through the Dane County Humane Society. There are various times and prices and they include an FVRCP vaccine. Caretakers of feral or free-roaming cats can be helped as well. Call 838-0413 extension 103 for an appointment or details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals volunteers are dedicated to bettering the future of feral cats. Their mission is to establish a no-kill standard and promote the value and well-being of Dane County area feral cats. Call 467-4067 for details.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Today the “Literacy Network” celebrates “International Literacy Day”. Participants can learn how to get involved and create change through literacy education. They quote “give opportunities for learning sustainable and meaningful literacy skills”. They are planning to train more than one hundred new volunteer tutors by December first. This is in 1118 South Park Street beginning at 9:00. Call 244-3911 for details.

This evening the Quattro Formaggi Saxophone Quartet plays music. This is at 6:00 in “Imperial Gardens-West,” 2039 Allen Boulevard. Call 886-3703 for details. Appetizers are provided.

This evening “Natural Step Monona,” the “Monona Public Library” and others host the next in the “Green Tuesdays Films and Lectures on Sustainability” series. Today the host demonstrates canning. The program is on the second and fifth Tuesdays of the month through May at 6:30 in the Monona Public Library, 1000 Nichols Road. Call 663-2459 for details.

Briarpatch offers walk-in HIV/AIDS, STDS and STI testing. This is every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 or by appointment in 1955 Atwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment call the agency at 1-800-798-1126. People may call locally at 245-2550 or email youthhivtesting@yahoo.com.

The Parental Stress line helps prevent child abuse by connecting parents who are stressed or feeling alone with volunteers who talk with them by phone. Training is necessary. Call 241-4888 extension 26 for details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals is seeking rural outdoor homes for altered feral and semi-feral cats. This will avoid euthanasias. They and the Dane County Humane Society relocate them on farms. They occupy feral cat territory but don’t breed. They are all tested, vaccinated, dewormed and fixed. For details call 467-4067.

Monday, September 7, 2009

This evening on WORT’s Access hour the show is hosted by Casey Fox of “Guilty Pleasures.” This is at 7:00. Call 256-2001 for details.

Today at noon Labor Fest 2009 begins. It features music by “Paul Cebar” doing pan-ethnic party music, beer, soft drinks and food. This is at the Labor Temple, 1602 South Park Street. Call 256-5111 for details.

Dane County Friends of Ferals is seeking rural outdoor homes for altered feral and semi-feral cats. This will avoid euthanasias. They and the Dane County Humane Society relocate them on farms. They occupy feral cat territory but don’t breed. They are all tested, vaccinated, dewormed and fixed. For details call 467-4067.

Parental Stress Center, a parental help agency, needs volunteers for a number of positions. They include childcare and food service workers, office assistants and Stressline volunteers. Training is provided. Call 241-4888 for details.

The Women and Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition program offers a wide variety of services, food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong. For details call 267-1111.

The Public Health Department of Madison and Dane County has anonymous walk-in HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing and Needle exchange. These are at the Public Health Office, 2705 East Washington Avenue and the South Madison Health and Family Center 2202 South Park Street. There are a variety of times and days. Call 243-0411 for details.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Next Wednesday is the deadline to register for the fall fundraiser of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. The event will feature a fall picnic buffet, entertainment by Monkey Business Improvisational Comedy Institute and more. The event is slated for September 12 at 1 South Pinckney Street. To register, call Wenona at 284-0580, extension 304, or register online at wccf.org.

Tonight from 5:30 to 8 pm, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art will bid summer farewell with First Fridays at MMoCA. The band Caravan Gypsy Swing will play in the rooftop sculpture garden and From Nature and Curators' Choice will be on view in the galleries. Admission is free to anyone wearing a fedora or to MMoCA members. For more details contact Terry at 257.0158, extension 241, or visit mmoca.org

Saturday the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation will offer 2 informative and entertaining walking tours of Madison's most distinctive historic neighborhoods. No reservations are required, simply show up at each tour’s designated starting point. At 10 am, the State Street tour will meet at 107 State Street. The King Street tour will meet at 11 am by the granite arch at the corner of Webster, Doty, and King. More information at 441-8864 or madisontrust.org

A new LGBT Social Group, “Q-Cinema International”, is starting this month at Outreach. The group of movie enthusiasts will focus on topics dealing with LGBT issues from different countries and cultures. Movies will be shown every 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights starting next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. More info at 255-8582.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Do you have beads you don’t need, or glues you don’t use? Absolutely Art, 2322 Atwood Ave, invites you to clean out your studios, closets and garages for art supplies and other useable items for the upcoming “Art Swap” on September 12. Call 249-9100 or email Meghan@absolutelyartllc.com for details or to make arrangements for a drop-off. The business is located on the Capital City Bike Trail.

The Literacy Network, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing basic literacy services to adults and families in Dane County. Registration has begun for volunteer workshops to be held on September 8 at 1118 South Park Street in Madison. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, or to reserve your space in an upcoming workshop, call 244-3911.

Tonight at 7 PM, SalonQ, an inclusive adult LGBT social and discussion group, will meet at Outreach, 600 Williamson Street in Madison. The group meets weekly and is designed for any member of the community looking for a safe and healthy way to meet and get to know new people. For more info or to get on the e-mail list call 255-8582 or e-mail Harry at harrys@lgbtoutreach.org

Radio Active, a Madison area, all-volunteer, community theater group which recreates old-time radio shows is holding auditions for a performance on October 17. During the show, actors read from scripts at microphones, while live sound effects, music, and vintage commercials add to the fun and authenticity of the production. Visit rememberingradio.org for dates and times of upcoming auditions, scripts and more details. Auditions will be held at Shorewood Hills Fire Dept, 1008 Shorewood Boulevard.

Tonight from 5 to 8 pm, a House Party and Fundraiser will be held for the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice at 1315 Sherman Avenue. Music and snacks will be provided to celebrate the accomplishments of the ICWJ. More info at 255-0376 or director@workerjustice.org